GREEN BAY, Wis. — With the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay almost here, it brought out a lot of curiosity among Green Bay residents and other Wisconsinites, who wanted to see how the big event is transforming the city.
One of those curious residents was Lauri Kutter of Green Bay.
She came out to Lombardi Avenue the day before the event to check out the draft area. She saw a blocked-off Lambeau Field while everything was getting set up.
She said the NFL Draft has brought a different feeling to the community.
“The anticipation has been electric,” said Kutter. “I, myself, felt goosebumps coming towards the stadium today. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for not just the residents but everybody coming into town.”
Other Wisconsinites, including John and Mary Klovning of Platteville, are also feeling that excitement on Lombardi Avenue.
The two lifelong Green Bay Packers fans are no strangers to Lambeau Field.
“We knew it was going to be different, but we didn’t know how different, so we decided we wanted to come,” said John Klovning. “We have the One Pass to get in tomorrow.”
Mary Klovning said she is ready for people to see what makes the Badger State special.
“It’s just a completely different experience. We’ve gone to a lot of games in different towns, but Green Bay tops them all,” said Mary Klovning.
Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich helped plan the draft.
He spent his Wednesday morning at Field Fest at City Stadium, where the Packers used to play; he said this is just a taste of things to come.
“I think people are just really embracing the chance to put our best foot forward as a community to plan a bunch of really fun events to compliment what’s going on at the Draft and just to bring people out to enjoy everything that we have to offer,” said Genrich
By the end of the draft, Kutter believes visitors will have a greater respect for Green Bay.
“I think Green Bay holds a special place for all of us and we aren’t a big metropolitan area, but they will find how friendly people are,” said Kutter.
